Prince William's Stag Do Secrets: Harry's Drinking Games and Wild Costume Revealed
Ahead of their royal wedding in 2011, Prince William and his bride Kate Middleton celebrated with family and friends at their respective stag and hen dos, both of which featured elaborate fancy dress and private revelries. New details from a biography shed light on these intimate pre-wedding festivities, offering a rare glimpse into the couple's personal lives before they said "I do."
The Stag Do Arranged by Prince Harry
Prince Harry took charge of organising his brother William's stag do, planning a weekend-long event at Hartland Abbey in north Devon, the home of their friend George Stucley. According to royal editor Russell Myers in his book William and Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, around 20 of William's closest confidantes attended, including Eton school friend James Meade, Thomas van Straubenzee from Ludgrove Prep School, and Hugh van Cutsem, a godson of King Charles.
The group spent the weekend surfing near a secluded cove called Speke's Mill, with Harry later organising shooting on the estate and a series of drinking games. In a humorous twist, William was reportedly forced to dress up in a wig and apron with fake chest hair, adding a playful element to the celebrations.
Kate Middleton's Hen Do with a Cheryl Cole Twist
Meanwhile, Kate Middleton turned to her sister Pippa to arrange her hen do. Pippa hosted a gathering at her Chelsea flat, inviting a small selection of Kate's old school friends for cocktails and karaoke. A surprising detail emerged from Cheryl Cole's memoir, Cheryl: My Story, where the Girls Aloud star recalled meeting the royal couple at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
Kate confessed that she had dressed up as Cheryl on her hen night, wearing a body suit and split trousers to perform "Fight for This Love," complete with the dance routine. She reportedly learned the steps perfectly, impressing all her friends with her rendition.
The Queen's Advice to Kate Before the Wedding
In December 2010, one month after the couple's engagement announcement, the late Queen Elizabeth invited Kate to Buckingham Palace to discuss wedding plans. Over tea and finger sandwiches, the monarch chose not to delve into the finer details but instead offered words of encouragement and guidance.
According to Myers, the Queen advised Kate on her future role as a senior member of the royal family and how to deal with "headstrong" husbands. She also suggested not getting too bogged down with the guest list, noting that there would be many unfamiliar faces and some she might never see again.
In a touching gesture, the Queen generously offered Kate the chance to speak with royal jewellers about borrowing an item from her personal, priceless jewellery collection, showing her support and warmth towards the future princess.
These revelations, extracted from William and Catherine by Russell Myers, published by Ebury Spotlight, highlight the personal moments and private celebrations that preceded one of the most watched royal weddings in history.
